King James Version

What Does Philippians 3:12 Mean?

Philippians 3:12 in the King James Version says “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for ... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12 · KJV


Context

10

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

11

If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

12

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus (Οὐχ ὅτι ἤδη ἔλαβον ἢ ἤδη τετελείωμαι, διώκω δὲ εἰ καὶ καταλάβω, ἐφ' ᾧ καὶ κατελήμφθην ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ [Ἰησοῦ], Ouch hoti ēdē elabon ē ēdē teteleiōmai, diōkō de ei kai katalabō, eph' hō kai katelēmphthēn hypo Christou [Iēsou])—Ouch oti ēdē ("not that already") corrects potential misunderstanding of vv. 10-11. Elabon ("I attained") and teteleiōmai ("I have been perfected") Paul denies—he's not claiming arrival. Diōkō ("I pursue, press on") uses athletic/military metaphor. Katalabō ("I may lay hold of") balances pursuit with goal. Eph' hō kai katelēmphthēn hypo Christou ("that for which I was laid hold of by Christ")—Paul pursues what Christ purposed in arresting him (Acts 9). Divine initiative (Christ's apprehending) precedes and grounds human response (Paul's pursuing).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's balance between 'already' and 'not yet' refutes both perfectionism and antinomianism. Against perfectionists claiming sinless arrival, Paul confesses ongoing pursuit. Against antinomians presuming grace without growth, Paul demonstrates passionate striving. The Damascus Road 'apprehending' by Christ (katelēmphthēn) reordered Paul's entire existence toward Christ's purposes. His life became quest to fulfill Christ's call.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance confidence in Christ's finished work with recognizing you haven't 'already attained'?
  2. What has Christ 'apprehended' you for—His purpose in arresting your life's trajectory?
  3. How does recognizing Christ's initiative enable rather than eliminate human pursuit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Οὐχ1 of 20

Not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὅτι2 of 20

as though

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἤδη3 of 20

I had already

G2235

even now

ἔλαβον4 of 20

attained

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

5 of 20

either

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἤδη6 of 20

I had already

G2235

even now

τετελείωμαι7 of 20

perfect

G5048

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)

διώκω8 of 20

I follow after

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

δὲ9 of 20

but

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰ10 of 20
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

καὶ11 of 20

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κατελήφθην12 of 20

I am apprehended

G2638

to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)

ἐφ'13 of 20

that for

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

14 of 20

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ15 of 20

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κατελήφθην16 of 20

I am apprehended

G2638

to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)

ὑπὸ17 of 20

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τοῦ18 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστοῦ19 of 20

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ20 of 20

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Philippians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philippians 3:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Philippians 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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